How to Overcome Prolonged Stress
It’s safe to say that the past couple of years has brought the world more stress than usual, and more than some of us have been able to handle well. While a certain amount of stress is normal, too much of it can overwhelm the body and our systems, which can result in feeling stuck in a fight-or-flight state. Chronic stress is incredible detrimental to our health, mind, body and soul.
Whether it’s the state of the world, heartbreak, or your own healing journey, we’d love to offer a few tips for overcoming periods of prolonged stress so that you can get back to living life to your full joy and potential.
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. While negative emotions or thoughts can happen during times of stress, spiraling into constant thoughts of worst-case-scenarios can become crippling. Try to become aware of whether or not your internal dialogue is leaning negative. When you notice this, pause to breathe, listen, and replace the negativity with a positive spin. Starting your day with a few specific and thoughtfully chosen affirmations can start your day in an intentionally positive way, making way for a more do-able day.
Make self-care a priority. Self-care is not optional. Life is busy and motivation can be elusive, so try taking small steps in the direction you want to go. Take care of yourself physically by getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. This will help to improve your overall energy and mood, which can make it easier to cope with stressors in your life.
Seek inspiration. Sometimes, getting through times of stress takes a little outside help. Looking for inspiration from people you admire (both real and fictional) can help you connect with how they managed to persevere and overcome their own hurdles.
Show compassion to others. Some believe that what we put out into the world, we get back. By showing compassion to others during times of stress, you’re allowing (and inviting) others to reciprocate it to you. A focus on gratitude, contribution (even if it’s a quick text to a friend to check in) and compassion are game-changers.
Schedule a visit with us. When your body is out of alignment, your nervous system is not optimally flowing. This causes more release of stress hormones that add to your current stress levels. We regularly see patients who feel like their body is stuck in a stressful state. Through focused, gentle chiropractic techniques, we’re often able to help restore balance and harmony to their body.